joya
/ˈxoʝa/feminine
The English word jewel is translated into Spanish as joya. If unsure, use joya. Wiktionary also lists alhaja and alhaite.
Meaning: gemstone (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| joya | /ˈxoʝa/ | feminine |
| alhaja | /aˈlaxa/ | feminine |
| alhaite | /alaite/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| joyel | /xoˈʝel/ | masculine |
The word joya refers to a gemstone. It is also used metaphorically to describe a person who is highly valued or precious.
Which one should you use?
joya is the most common and standard word for a jewel or gemstone. In contrast, alhaja is a more formal or literary term for a jewel, often used in poetry or high-register literature. The masculine forms alhaite and joyel also exist in the language.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
alhaja is used in more formal or literary contexts. You may also encounter the diminutive joyita, which is the diminutive form of joya used in an endearing manner.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word joya and alhaja are feminine nouns. The words alhaite and joyel are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈxoʝa/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, calling someone a joyita can be used sarcastically to describe a person who is actually trouble or a nuisance.
- The word joya shares a root with the Latin jocus, which is the ancestor of the English word 'joke'.
- In various Latin American countries, the word joya is used as slang to describe something that is in perfect condition or works flawlessly.
Examples in context
- La joya fue robada durante la noche.The jewel was stolen during the night.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe a theft involving a joya.Tatoeba #972261 by hayastan, translation #44027 by CK
- Encontraron la joya en un lugar inesperado.The jewel was found in an unlikely place.This sentence shows the use of joya when discussing the location where an object was found.Tatoeba #5106289 by cueyayotl, translation #320986 by CK
- Mi madre es mi joya.My mother is my jewel.This sentence demonstrates the metaphorical use of joya to describe a person.Tatoeba #1012186 by alexmarcelo, translation #1012181 by Miktsoanit
- Su elegante collar está adornado con hermosas joyas.Her elegant necklace is adorned with beautiful jewels.
- Esta tienda ofrece una amplia selección de piedras preciosas.This store offers a wide selection of precious gemstones.
- Mi abuela me regaló esta joyita de pulsera.My grandmother gave me this adorable little bracelet.
- Ella colecciona gemas de diferentes colores y tamaños.She collects gemstones of different colors and sizes.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are looking at a display in a jewelry store.
- JavierMira esa joya, es impresionante.Look at that jewel, it is impressive.
- MaríaEs verdad, tiene un color increíble.It is true, it has an incredible color.
- Javier¿Crees que sea un diamante real?Do you think it is a real diamond?
- MaríaParece una joya muy auténtica.It looks like a very authentic jewel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jewel” translations and entries joya, alhaja, alhaite, joyel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alhaja, joya, joyel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
